After a series of positive tests from several key players and subsequent game delays, the Ravens finally played the Steelers on Wednesday night in a highly-anticipated matchup. Baltimore missed Lamar Jackson due to his positive coronavirus test, so backup QB Robert Griffin III started for the team. The Ravens ended the game 14-19, resulting in their third consecutive loss.
The first quarter started off with a few punts, then suddenly took a dramatic turn. The Ravens fumbled on the first play of their drive just four minutes into the game. However, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception to LB Tyus Bowser at the Baltimore 1. In just three plays, CB Joe Haden intercepted Griffin III and returned it for a touchdown, the first score of the game. The Ravens responded with a stop on defense and a touchdown drive of their own, ending with a 1-yard run from RB Gus Edwards to take a 7-6 lead as the quarter ended with the Steelers in a tight position.
Determined to remain undefeated, the Steelers showed off their strong defensive presence in the second quarter. After a 25-yard field goal from Pittsburgh, Baltimore could not score this quarter as the defense locked in and prevented any momentum. The Steelers managed two field goals in the quarter to take a 12-7 lead. The Ravens looked to close the half on a high note but failed to score on a 3rd and 1 as the game clock expired. Baltimore went into the locker room with a much closer game than expected due to the circumstances.
The Steelers started the second half with a daring 4th and 2 at the Baltimore 37 but failed to complete the first down to give the ball back to the Ravens. Both teams could not capitalize on the numerous opportunities presented to them, and fans saw a series of punts in the third quarter. Baltimore remained well within a victory despite a shorthanded roster. The Ravens went into the fourth quarter with their backs against the wall, however, as the Steelers marched into the Baltimore red zone.
Looking to stop the Steelers’ momentum, the Ravens tried but failed to stop a Steelers touchdown in the beginning of the quarter to go down 19-7. However, Baltimore fell flat on offense and failed to create firepower without Jackson. Yet, the Steelers could not entirely close the door on the Ravens. Baltimore managed to score with just under three minutes left with an electrifying 70-yard pass from QB Trace McSorley to WR Marquise Brown. However, the Ravens would not gain another possession as the Steelers ran out the clock to escape an upset as Baltimore went down 19-14.
The Ravens fall to 6-5, just over .500, with just five games left in the regular season. Baltimore will play the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8:05 PM. Jackson’s return is questionable due to the quarantine period he must sustain to be reactivated.
Featured Image courtesy of kishcollageit via Flickr Creative Commons
